Lions shut down Jahvid Best for entire season

The Detroit Lions announced Friday afternoon they have made the decision to keep Jahvid Best on the physically unable to perform list, meaning he will not play football in 2012.

The plan all offseason was for the running back, who was knocked out in the first half of the 2011 season with multiple concussions, to return at the start of training camp. But doctors did not clear Best then and they still will not clear him, a clear sign his career is in jeopardy.

“As has been the case throughout, we have deferred to the medical experts and support their current recommendation that Jahvid not return to the field this season,” Mayhew said. “Javhid’s approach to this situation and his adherence to the process and protocol have been exemplary.

“No one has worked harder or shown more dedication than Jahvid has over the past year. As disappointing as this decision is for us and Jahvid we do believe it is in his long-term best interest.”

The hope here is Best can continue to lead a healthy life without the troubling effects post-concussion syndrome can pose for players. It’s premature to speculate if he will play again but more important than that right now is his long-term prognosis.

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